Rochester, MI--The women's soccer team at Oakland University has the distinction of being the first Golden Grizzlies' team to officially compete at the NCAA Division 1 level. In a letter dated August 16, 1999, OU president Dr. Gary Russi was informed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association that Oakland University's completed petition for change of division membership had been received and approved.
As a result, the Oakland University athletics department and its 14 teams will compete on the Division I level beginning September 1, 1999. Coach Nick O'Shea and his soccer team will host the University of Toledo on Friday, August 27, 1999 and officially stamp the Grizzlies as full-fledged members of the highest NCAA level.
"Our move to a more competitive athletic division mirrors our growth in academic programs, new facilities and statewide recognition as an excellent university," Russi said. "We take great pride in our talented scholar athletes, and our move to Division I is affirmation that we are an academic and athletic force to be reckoned with. As we enter the new millennium, Oakland is well-positioned to be a leader in educational excellence and competitive athletics. |
The petition to the NCAA began in the spring of 1997 and at that time, the OU athletics department began abiding by NCAA Division I rules and regulations. In that two-year transition period, the Golden Grizzlies were able to compete, but were not eligible for Division II or Division I championship competition.
"The transition to Division I is complete, and it would not have been possible without the support of our athletes and coaches," Mehl said. "During the past two years, programs and individuals accustomed to participation in NCAA postseason competition have been denied that opportunity; now, we can return to those opportunities with a new sense of purpose.
Oakland has been a member of the Mid-Continent Conference during the mandated two-year transition period and will begin full membership in the 1999-2000 school year making the Golden Grizzlies eligible for all postseason play in the conference (except men's basketball which becomes eligible in 2001-2002.) Women's Soccer becomes an official Mid-Continent sport in 1999 and will be sponsored by conference members IUPUI, Oakland, Oral Roberts, Valparaiso, Western Illinois and Youngstown State. |
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